Letters

Autism diagnosis

We applaud the National Autistic Society report, which echoes what so many families we work with tell us here at Autistica, the UK's largest autism research charity (Special needs kids deserve better than a rush to reform, 21 May). We know that early support can ameliorate the negative aspects of autism, dramatically improving quality of life and reducing distress for individuals and their families. But despite this, a third of families wait over three years for a diagnosis – missing out on vital support at the most crucial time. It is no wonder one in ten families have to resort to paying for a private diagnosis. It is clearly urgent that we both improve diagnostic methods and ensure that these are readily available to clinicians. Recently published research funded by Autistica found neurological signs of autism in infants as young as six months, helping us to understand the development of the condition. Further investment in research is clearly needed so that we can continue to explore earlier signs and the biological basis of autism with a view to providing effective treatments and interventions at a much earlier stage. Over 600,000 people in the UK deserve to have their condition understood. It is only with robust peer reviewed scientific research that we will be able to offer earlier diagnosis, effective support and proper understanding.Christine SwabeyChief executive, Autistica